The concept of a methodology for assessment of programmes of measures in implementation of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC

This article presents the concept of the methodology for assessing the implementation of programmes of measures adopted in the State Water and Environmental Programme, and, in consequence, in the framework of the first water management plans for river basin districts in Poland, as approved by the Council of Ministers on 22nd February, 2011, and published in the official journals. The scope of work in the methodology concept primarily concerns two basic analyses: assessment of the accomplishment of programmes of measures with regard to the degree of their accomplishment, and assessment of the effectiveness of scheduled programmes of measures. The level of accomplishment should be understood as the quantitative status of progress of particular measures, whereas effectiveness means their direct or indirect impact on the achievement of environmental goals of the Water Framework Directive. For this purpose, for some of the measures databases and reports existing in institutions responsible for the performance of measures indicated in the SWEP were used. For the rest of the measures, the survey method was used. For the purpose of the surveying process, the preparation of appropriate matrixes with measures marked for institutions, and also of email address databases, were proposed. Also, identifiers serving to link answers with specific areas on maps that trace measures were proposed. The present and forecast situation concerning reporting in the scope of the WFD and other tasks connected with it in the field of environmental protection leads to the conclusion that the coordination of reporting at the state level and the improvement of the flow of information between interested institutions is necessary

Characteristics of Biofilm Bacteria from Tapping Points of the Drinking Water Distribution System

Microorganisms in the drinking water distribution system form a biofilm on the inner surfaces of the pipes. It is a life preserving strategy that provides easier access to nutrients and protects against harmful environmental factors. The biofilm is a habitat for numerous species of autochthonous microflora which contribute to the intensification of bio-corrosion and negatively affect the quality of the water supplied to the consumers. Additionally, the biofilm can consist of pathogenic species, which may pose an epidemiological hazard. Every drinking water distribution system has its own microflora, it is associated with the presence of autochthonous microorganisms that come from the raw water which despite treatment processes leaked to the network, and microbes that entered as a result of maintenance, failures and leakages. These factors contribute to the biofilm uniqueness in each water supply system, it is associated with the lack of reproducibility of the structure. In the present study characterized the microorganisms from biofilm of 17 tapping points of the water supply system for their ability to adhesion, resistance against selected antibiotics and rated their enzymatic activity. It is believed that the microorganisms with high surface affinity can play a decisive role in the early stages of biofilm formation

The influence of the type of filter material on change of the value of selected indicators of groundwater quality

The effect of filter media on groundwater quality changes was studied for 6 months. The test system was continuously supplied with groundwater from well, at a constant speed from top to bottom and filter deposits were open to provide contact with air. Filter beds during the study period were not washed. The subject of the study were three beds (Z1, Z2 and Z3) with different filter materials: Z1, Z3 were filled only with an alkaline material, which provided to reduction the corrosivity of water, Z2 – outside alkalising materials also included sand, thus increasing removal efficiency of iron and phosphate ions. Analysis of water physico-chemical parameters include pH, temperature, total alkalinity, intensity of colour, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and the content of: iron, iron (II) and (III), aggressive carbon dioxide, inorganic nitrogen forms (Ninorg), ie NH4+, NO2-, NO3-, phosphate and total organic carbon. Bacteriological analysis of water samples was based on the total number of psychrophilic bacteria, having an optimum temperature for growth about 22ºC, and mesophilic (37ºC). All analyses were made in accordance with current standards. Groundwater was characterized by high volatility of most of the analyzed indicators of water quality. Due to the low flow velocity of water through the filtration beds and presence of dissolved oxygen in water, there was conditions for microbial growth in the deposits. There were a growth conditions for biofilm development on the surface of filter media. Excess filter media was periodically flushed out by flowing water regardless of the type of material which is contacted with water. Confirmation of the biofilm development on the surface of mineral grains was also indirectly by the increase in the number of bacteria in the filtrate, compared to the number of bacteria in the groundwater. Biological activity of the bacteria on the deposits surface was confirmed by changes in concentration of inorganic forms of nitrogen. All three beds have provided a reduction in inorganic nitrogen, which was assimilated by the microorganisms. Microorganisms on the surface of deposits reduced ammonia nitrogen in the filtrates by nitrification process. In addition, NH4+ particles may be adsorbed on the surface of particulate matter present in the water and retained in the bed. During this research there were no significant differences depending on the type of deposit, in efficiency of removal of inorganic nitrogen

Metabolic syndrome is associated with similar long-term prognosis in non-obese and obese patients. An analysis of 45 615 patients from the nationwide LIPIDOGRAM 2004-2015 cohort studies

Aims We aimed to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and long-term all-cause mortality. Methods The LIPIDOGRAM studies were carried out in the primary care in Poland in 2004, 2006 and 2015. MetS was diagnosed based on the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) and Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria. The cohort was divided into four groups: non-obese patients without MetS, obese patients without MetS, non-obese patients with MetS and obese patients with MetS. Differences in all-cause mortality was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. Results 45,615 participants were enrolled (mean age 56.3, standard deviation: 11.8 years; 61.7% female). MetS was diagnosed in 14,202 (31%) by NCEP/ATP III criteria, and 17,216 (37.7%) by JIS criteria. Follow-up was available for 44,620 (97.8%, median duration 15.3 years) patients. MetS was associated with increased mortality risk among the obese (hazard ratio, HR: 1.88 [95% CI, 1.79-1.99] and HR: 1.93 [95% CI 1.82-2.04], according to NCEP/ATP III and JIS criteria, respectively) and non-obese individuals (HR: 2.11 [95% CI 1.85-2.40] and 1.7 [95% CI, 1.56-1.85] according to NCEP/ATP III and JIS criteria respectively). Obese patients without MetS had a higher mortality risk than non-obese patients without MetS (HR: 1.16 [95% CI 1.10-1.23] and HR: 1.22 [95%CI 1.15-1.30], respectively in subgroups with NCEP/ATP III and JIS criteria applied). Conclusions MetS is associated with increased all-cause mortality risk in non-obese and obese patients. In patients without MetS obesity remains significantly associated with mortality. The concept of metabolically healthy obesity should be revised